Up to Date ...

Hi Everybody,

What a week this has been and I have lots to be grateful for.

On Tuesday it was my birthday and last Sunday my Daughter and Grandson arranged a Sunday lunch for the family at a really lovely restaurant.

I had flowers and gifts and lots of gift cards to spend as I want. 

My Granddaughters bought me Pandora charm and so I went to town and got the bracelet and more charms to add to it. 

It is in the new Rose colour and it is sparkly and beautiful and I shall wear it a lot. Especially today when I go to my Grandsons restaurant this evening.

I used all of the vouchers and gift cards that I had been given and got lots of goodies. Perfume ... New shirts ... New sun glasses ... and lots more. Then we went to lunch and that was a lovely meal too.

Today my YouTube followers are  way over 52,000 and this week they have rolled over to 10 million views ... can you believe those figures. I am amazed but so very very happy about it.

And to top it all I have a brand new collection of 6x6 Card & Box die sets coming out so watch this space. This is a size that many of you have asked for and it will be with us soon. And it too is a beautiful collection

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Lace Background- Crafti Potential

Hi Everybody,

This beautiful Lace Background is created with one of the new stamps from Crafti Potential 

(aka Christine Smith)

It so feminine I loved adding it to my cards along with the flowers, ribbons and pearls.

And although it is an A6 stamp it can be used very easily to produce a larger pattern for your background

The video will show you how I made this card and give you ideas for several more too.

But with a change of colour it can be made to look more masculine or even be used as a Sympathy card.

 So lots of occasions can be covered with any of the new stamp sets from Crafti Potential.

They are only available at Craft Stash so pop over to their website and take a look for your self

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Crafti Potential - Layering Stamps

Hi Everybody,

I have been playing with the new stamps from Crafti Potential again today and I love the designs that Christine has come up with

For today's video I have shown you how two of the collection play really nicely together, each knowing where to fit on the other.

They are the Fleur de Lis and the Quatrefoil.

Used independently they will give you lovely backgrounds ... but use them together and the effect is gorgeous.

There are eight designs in this collection and each one is special for the type of background you may want to have.   I have used them with dies from the "Christina Collection" as well as sentiment dies from Tonic and Creative Expressions

They will suit male and female and work really well with any other stamps and dies that you may have. So pop over to Craft Stash and take a look at this brand new addition to their website

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Crafti Potential - Stamp Collection - Hearts

Hi Everybody,

This week has seen the exciting addition of some new stamps from my lovely friend Christine Smith.

Many of you will know of her from our YouTube collaborations and her blog is

Crafti Potential 

She makes the most amazing cards and we have completely different styles.

But working with her stamps has been really good and they can fit my style very easily.

There are eight new A6 stamps and there is sure to be something that you like.

Here I have used the hearts and the video will show you how I created this card.

It's not long but I hope you enjoy it all the same 

I have more videos to add using some of the other stamps from Christine's collection and we are also planning another collaboration video where we will use both of our collections together and see what we come up with.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Colouring Vellum Flowers

Hi Everybody,

Many of you have been enjoying the parchment/

vellum flowers and butterflies that I have been making lately.

So I thought I would show you how I coloured the plain white vellum to suit my designs

It is not an expensive product to work with and you can alter it so very easily and it doesn't matter if it goes blotchy  it all adds to the effect.

The blue flowers are the ones I created in the video and I think this card is lovely with a really delicate look to it.

It would be suitable for any occasion with a change of sentiment.

Here  I have used the dies, stamps and embossing folder from the "Christina Collection" that is available with Craft Stash.

I hope you enjoy the video today and will give these lovely flowers a try for your self, it's not long but long enough for a cuppa.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Simply Cards & Papercraft 174

Hi Everybody,

The free gift with this months Simply Cards & Papercraft is this lovely Layered Rose Die Set from Altenew

It will create the most beautiful flowers for you to add to your projects and it is really easy to do.

Maybe in the past you have tried to use the stamps that are layered and not enjoyed the intricacy of them.  Well all the work is taken out of layering with this die set ... and there is a free paper download to help you even more.

The video will show you how to use the dies and I promise you are going to love the flowers and as long as you use three different shades of your chosen colour then you will get the layered look you desire and be very happy with the result

The magazine will be on sale on the 22nd February so if you want this dies set then you will need to be quick as it is going to be very popular. 

Reserve a copy with your newsagent or to be sure that you always get yours delivered to your door then why not consider taking out a subscription at  http://www.moremags.com

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Frilly Flowers & Acetate Leaves

Hi Everybody,

I have been looking at other ways in which to use the flower stamps and dies from the "Christina Collection"

And with this one I was really pleased with the result.

The video is a bit longer than usual but I have lined the inside and created the box to go with it and that takes the time up.

And because of the amount of noise near my house the day I filmed it I have added  more of the music to the film.

I have tried to pick a relaxing piece but for those of you who don't like the music my apologies ...  it was needed today

I hope you will enjoy it all the same and the finished card is lovely with the delicate acetate leaves.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Altenew Layered Plaid

Hi Everybody,

Today's card is using the new Layered Plaid die that I bought this week and that I promised to show you.

It comes in two parts to create the look and I think it is absolutely lovey. You would get a different effect by changing the colours each time.

Vary the look with glitter or mirror card and dress anyway you like.

For my card I have used the flowers and leaves from the Layered Flowers in the "Christina Collection"

And the leaves are done on acetate as I have shown you in other videos.

The "Hello" die is also from Altenew and has a matching stamp set with various add on sentiments to it 

And if you like Altenew products then come back on Wednesday to see the free gift with Simply Cards & Papercraft and you wont be disappointed 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Vellum Flowers & Acetate Leaves

Hi Everybody,

Today's card has really delicate looking flowers on it and it is easy to make

I have made mine as a Wedding card using items from the "Christina Collection"  but it could be made for any ocasion

The video will show you how this card as created along with the envelope to go with it.

But you could just as easily make a box if you preferred.

Most of the supplies that I used are from Craft Stash apart for the little Glitter balls as they are from Wild Orchid Crafts

The video is not too long and I hope you will enjoy it.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

One for the Boys ...

Hi Everybody,

Today's card is for the men in your life that will need a card for birthdays or other occasions where a card can be sent

I have used the dies, stamps and stencils from the Masculine Additions to the "Christina Collection" and made a quick and easy card.

Alter the greeting to suit your recipient and make the envelope match the design.
 Add the Googly Eyes just for fun

The video is not long and so make yourself a cuppa and relax for a little time to view

Use colours and patterns that are in keeping with your recipient and then send it with love 

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Inlaid Butterfly Card

Hi Everybody,

Many of you love butterflies and so this card will fit the bill beautifully and it is very easy to make.

I have used the Layered Butterflies dies and stencils from The "Christina Collection" and the video will show you how I created this one

I have lined the inside of this card and made the envelope compliment the card too.

Here are a couple of different colourways and you can experiment with your own scheme to personalise your own cards

Adding a different sentiment can make it suitable for any occasion

I hope you have fun playing with the dies, stamps, embossing folders and stencils from my collection and it is set to grow in the next few weeks

Enjoy the video

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Valentines Day Card

Hi Everybody,

It's not far off now for you to send those Valentines cards to the ones you love

And this card is created with the Love & Marriage Additions  to the Christina Collection

This is a really useful set to have for all year round and makes beautiful Anniversary Cards

The video will show you how I made this and decorated the matching envelope

I have used Alcohol markers to colour the flower but you can use your favourite medium if you prefer.  

I do not profess to be an artist but I was quite pleased with the result

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Parchment Butterflies

Hi Everybody,

Today's tutorial shows you how I created some lovely Butterflies from parchment and then added them to a card and a box to match. The gold card is from the craft show and I can't remember the supplier/ The parchment is also from the same craft show but I have given you an alternative with Craft Stash ... 

The links are at the bottom of the page for everything else.

This design could be used for any occasion and dressed accordingly to suit. Imagine this as a Golden Wedding Anniversary Card.  A little imagination could make this fit any bill.

Here is the video and I hope you enjoy it with your cuppa.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Shabby Chic with Card Making Magic

Hi Everybody,

As promised here is a little video to show you how I created the Shabby Chic Card that I and so many of you love to do. They are truly cards for the ladies and I don't know anyone that would be disappointed with flowers and Pink has to be one of my favourite colours and so I really enjoyed making this one.

I have used items from "The Christina Collection" and all of it is available at Craft Stash

In the video I have given you a really good tip to save you some money and use something that you would throw away

So you will need to watch and see ....

More tomorrow 

Hugs xx

Aperture Card & Envelope

Hi Everybody,

Today's card is a blue "Thank You" card and because it is relatively flat it doesn't need a box

And so in this video I have used the Happy Mail stamp set to add interest to an envelope

I created a stencil from the Petal Trellis and used Blue Print Sketch to colour the back and front of it

I also used the same ink to add the label on the back of the card from the Happy Mail stamps

Both of these items make the card a little more personal for your recipient

Here is the video ...

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Shabby Chic with Card Making Magic

Hi Everybody,

Every part of my Christina Collection has been so very well received and if you bought some of it then I hope you are enjoying playing with it. 

 Over the last few months I have tried to show you just how versatile this collection of dies, stamps, stencils and folders can be.

And many of you have said that the videos help a lot in showing you new techniques or putting things together.

I have included the clean and simple cards ...

... to those with all the bells and whistles attached and both of these have been covered in videos and added to the blog.

Don't forget that there is now a dedicated page that is permanently displayed for you with all the Christina Collection Videos in one place and you will find that in the side bar to your right.

But today I wanted to share a card picture that takes the dies to another style that I really love making.

The Shabby Chic card featured below is one of my favourite ways to make a truly feminine card and on this I can add all the beautiful things I like to include on my designs Flowers, Ribbons and Pearls !!

I didn't film the making of this card but that can easily be rectified if you would like one. Just let me know in the comments underneath the post and your wish will be done

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Silver Embossed Wedding Card

Hi Everybody,

This very special wedding card is created with items from the Christina Collection 

I made the box to match it. 

 I used Versamark to Letterpress and I know that this is a new technique to some of you.

But it is quite easy to do and so I hope the video gives you a little bit of confidence to give it a try.

I did the same technique with Gold powder and that turned out beautiful also.

Uisng the stencil on the embossing sandwich in your machine will give a very pretty effect.

Not as deep as the embossing folders but just as effective

Both of the ribbons are  from Deco Fun Bowmaker

and they are a lovely quality satin 

I hope you enjoy the short video and will come back to watch more as they are added.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

Water Coloured Leafy Embossing Folder

Hi Everybody,

Yesterday I showed you some cards made with the new embossing folders that have been added to the "Christina Collection"

Today I am adding the video to the first one and for this I have used water colours and gilding flakes for a really pretty look to the card.

Because it is not too flowery it would be suitable for the male members we need to make cards for.

But you can always dress it up anyway you like with flowers, ribbons and pearls !!

I have given you a couple of tips in the video about Gilding Flakes and the main one is that they are very fly away.  Don't use them near open widows or a fan or you will be finding them everywhere.

It is easier once opened to put them into a larger container because they do swell up quite a lot once they air gets to them. It only looks a small amount in the pots they come in but there is really a lot and it will go along way. There are many different mixes as well as the plain gold or silver so have a look and see what you like 

I hope you enjoy the video and will give the flakes a try. They will give you a luxury look to any of your designs.

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx

New Embossing Folders

Hi Everybody,

I have been playing with the new embossing folders to the Christina Collection and I wanted to share some new photos with you before I add them as videos. 

 Each one has been a pleasure to work with and I have enjoyed seeing what I can come up with

The first photo is using the Leaf folder and on this I have embossed it and then water coloured the leaves.

Once it was dry I added glue pen to outline some of the leaves and I added Gilding Flakes to them.

I  matted the panel on to some green card and surrounded the edge with diamante.

The verse has been stamped and foiled and added to a silver label with foam tape between the layers.

This one has been Letterpressed  and I used the Happy Birthday folder.

I trimmed it down and added it with foam tape to another Quatrefoil embossed layer. 

I dotted it with pearls to highlight the pattern and ran pearl strips down each side.

The ribbon, bow and dazzler just add that little bit extra to an easy to create birthday card

This one is a little more elaborate and for this I have used the Flourish folder which I Letterpressed with Versamark and then heat embossed with sparkly powder

The Autumn coloured flowers are added around the foiled sentiment and the lace, ribbon and pearls are a luxury touch to the card. 

Very pretty and feminine and sure to please.

Make a box to match this and give it with love

So each of these cards will be added as a tutorial  to the Blog pages as they are done

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx  

Letterpress Birthday Card

Hi Everybody,

Today I am using the new embossing folders available in the Christina Collection and I have made a card for the men in your life.

With the stamps in  the Masculine Additions you can swap out dad for son or brother if you preferred.

I used Blue Print Sketch ink because it blends nicely with the card that I have used and that is Marine Blue from Papermill Direct

The video is not long but I hope you enjoy it and will try out some of these ideas in your own cardmaking

The finished card is still a 5x7 but is flat enough to fit into an envelope and so save on postage

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx